Should you’re planning a visit to Bali quickly, you’re most likely getting overwhelmed by the sheer variety of inns and areas to select from! The place’s the very best place to remain? Is it in Kuta, Seminyak, Ubud, or someplace else? Don’t fear, on this article, we’ll assist you determine what’s greatest for you.
Whenever you have a look at Bali on the map, it seems to be small. First-timers simply assume it’s as small as Phuket, Santorini, or Singapore. However in actuality, Bali is a giant island. It solely seems to be small as a result of it sits subsequent to Java, which is far, a lot bigger. The truth is, it’s eight occasions larger than Singapore, 10 occasions larger than Phuket, 64 occasions larger than Santorini, greater than 500 occasions bigger than Boracay! Within the Philippines, size-wise, Bali is extra corresponding to your entire island of Cebu or Leyte.
Why am I saying this? As a result of this issues if you’re selecting the realm to remain. It’s important to perceive the island’s geography first.
WAIT, WAIT, WAIT! In case your are touring quickly and nonetheless on the strategy planning stage, you can even go to our The Poor Traveler Masterlist. Right here, we compiled journey necessities, together with immigration necessities and all our really useful inns and excursions. Simply go to this web page: TPT Masterlist. We now have a compilation for locations world wide.
Understanding Bali’s Geography
That is Bali. It’s composed of eight regencies and one metropolis, Denpasar.
Understanding its geography is much more vital, contemplating that the important thing points of interest are scattered all through the island. Therefore, the very best space to remain relies on the locations you need to go to, particularly for those who solely have a couple of days.
Every has its execs and cons. So let’s speak about and break down every of those vacationer hotspots one after the other. By the best way, that is in no specific order. The numbers are simply there for simpler reference.
1. KUTA
Greatest for: Funds vacationers, backpackers, and celebration animals
Kuta is the preferred space amongst vacationers, particularly first-timers. It put Bali on the map of worldwide vacationers.
PROS
A part of the Badung Regency, its location could be very handy. It’s near the airport and the seashore!
You’ll discover virtually every thing you could possibly probably want right here: ATMs, cash changers, banks, comfort shops, eating places, bars, outlets, tour companies, and even motorbike leases. It’s additionally the place many excursions kick off since most companies are primarily based within the space. And naturally, Kuta is legendary — or possibly notorious, relying on how you are feeling about it — for its wild, energetic nightlife.
Kuta additionally has the most important cluster of lodging in Bali. Certain, there are a couple of upscale inns round, nevertheless it’s actually greatest identified for budget- and backpacker-friendly choices.
Should you’re after the seashore vibe with quick access to every thing, together with the airport and vibrant nightlife, Kuta could also be for you.
CONS
Kuta doesn’t have a sterling popularity. And among the criticisms should not unfounded. Some seasoned vacationers advise towards staying right here. They are saying it’s overhyped, overcrowded, and overdeveloped. It’s true that Kuta is extremely busy and touristy.
Visitors jams are fairly frequent, particularly throughout rush hours, and you must be alert, as lots of Bali’s instances of scams, pickpockets, and cellphone or bag snatching occur right here.
Maintain up, let’s be clear. Bali is mostly protected. Crime fee is low. And violent crimes are uncommon. I’ve by no means felt unsafe, even in Kuta. However you must safe your valuables when strolling round Kuta and close by areas and be vigilant.
You’ll be able to escape the hustle and bustle of Kuta by selecting an even bigger, well-appointed resort.
The place We Stayed
Not too long ago, our workforce was capable of keep at Anathera Resort Kuta. It’s a contemporary mid-range resort conveniently situated just some minutes from Kuta Seaside and the primary procuring and nightlife areas. It strikes a pleasant steadiness between accessibility and luxury, making it an incredible base for vacationers who need to be near the motion however nonetheless get pleasure from a peaceable retreat after a protracted day trip.
The property options a big swimming pool, a children’ pool, a health club, a spa, and even a deck lounge the place friends can unwind. The rooms are shiny and spacious, most with non-public balconies overlooking the pool or backyard. Every room additionally has free Wi-Fi, a minibar, and a flat-screen TV. The employees was additionally pleasant and useful.
It’s not probably the most luxurious choice in Bali, nevertheless it delivers strong worth for cash. You’ll be able to e-book a deluxe room for 2 for as little as IDR 560,000 (PHP 2,000) per night time on Agoda together with taxes.
✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY HERE!
And it may well go even decrease for those who use our promo code AGODATPT, which will provide you with 10% OFF. That’s a number of financial savings, particularly for those who’re reserving costly inns or a number of nights, as a result of it’s capped at USD 100 or roughly P5800. That’s a giant low cost.
✅ To redeem this code, obtain and open the Agoda app, and on the COUPONS tab, enter AGODATPT (all caps). Then select a property and room sort, and upon checkout, enter AGODATPT once more to avail of the particular fee.
You need to use this code for many inns on Agoda!
High Motels in Kuta
Listed below are among the greatest locations to remain in Kuta, as rated by vacationers on-line.
Seek for extra Kuta Motels!
2. SEMINYAK
Greatest for: Households and anybody who loves Kuta’s enjoyable, beachy vibe — minus the chaos and crowds
Similar to Kuta, Seminyak is a paradise for surfers. It shares the identical shoreline and the identical spectacular sunsets, solely with extra space to breathe.
PROS
Consider Seminyak as Kuta’s barely calmer, classier neighbor to the north, the place the streets are lined with fashionable villas, luxurious resorts, and chic spa retreats. You’ll additionally discover fine-dining eating places, designer boutiques, and stylish bars. However that’s to not say there are not any inexpensive choices. It has a wide variety of hostels and price range inns, too.
Many of those locations cater to households and teams, making it an incredible spot if you would like consolation with out sacrificing comfort.
Should you’re a member of the LGBT+ group, think about Seminyak as a result of it additionally has an energetic LGBT+ scene. A piece of Jalan Camplung Tanduk Street in Seminyak is the unofficial homosexual strip, with homosexual bars, drag exhibits, and LGBTQIA+-friendly seashore bars.
It’s additionally pretty near the airport, only a tad farther than Kuta, however nonetheless accessible.
CONS
Seminyak suffers from virtually each drawback you could say about Kuta. It’s additionally crowded and bustling with visitors jams and all, however not as hectic. Personally, between the 2, we desire Seminyak.
The place We Stayed
We stayed at Grandmas Plus Lodge Seminyak, a giant resort providing price range rooms! We paid IDR 2,070,000 (USD 124, PHP 7328) for 3 nights.
That’s solely IDR 690,000 (USD 41.40, PHP 2443) per night time. It’s at a wonderful location, only a brief stroll from the seashore, eating places, and bars. It’s good for vacationers who need to keep within the coronary heart of Seminyak with out paying premium resort costs. The rooms are compact however trendy, geared up with necessities like air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and cozy beds. There’s additionally a small swimming pool, an in-house spa, and a restaurant, all nice for enjoyable after a day of exploring.
✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY HERE!
High Motels in Seminyak
🔥🔥🔥 Use AGODATPT for 10% off on choose inns! 🔥🔥🔥
Seek for extra Seminyak Motels!
3. UBUD
Greatest for: Vacationers searching for some peace of thoughts, cultural expertise, and a central location
Ubud is usually thought of the cultural coronary heart of Bali. It’s good for those who’re after tradition, leisure, and a greener facet of Bali. As a base for vacationers, it has loads of benefits.
PROS
It’s splendid for vacationers who need a slower, extra soulful expertise, away from the seashore crowds. You’ll discover artwork galleries, yoga retreats, wellness facilities, and native craft markets that provide you with a deeper look into Balinese tradition.
Many boutique resorts and villas are set amid tranquil rice paddies or alongside river valleys, providing peaceable views and a robust sense of connection to nature. Even these inside the city heart, most properties nonetheless really feel extra secluded and have a extra non-public vibe. Lots of the resorts or villas that get featured by influencers — these with a pool floating lunch tray — they’re most likely right here in Ubud.
Additionally it is well-located for day journeys to waterfalls, rural temples, rice terraces, and scenic highland spots. Ubud sits within the center, making it a wonderful base. By staying right here, you gained’t must take care of the Kuta, Seminyak, and Denpasar visitors jams for probably the most half.
You’ll discover a number of excursions on Klook that begin or decide up right here in Ubud, so going round shouldn’t be a difficulty.
✅ Should you e-book with Klook, go to www.thepoortraveler.web/klook to routinely get 5% OFF your reserving! You too can use our promo code THEPOORTRAVELERKLOOK or TPTKLOOK5 for five% OFF!
CONS
Talking of visitors, Ubud isn’t with out its downsides. The city heart may also get congested with automobiles and scooters, particularly throughout peak hours, however not as unhealthy as Kuta or Seminyak.
Should you’re touring to Bali for the seashore, properly, it’s fairly removed from the coast — round an hour and a half to 2 hours away, relying on visitors.
Costs for lodging and meals have gone up over time, reflecting its rising reputation. And though it’s usually calm, nightlife right here is proscribed in comparison with coastal areas like Kuta or Seminyak.
The place We Stayed
Right here in Ubud, we have been capable of strive Ari Cottages. It’s a captivating 3-star boutique property tucked away on Jalan Made Lebah within the Pengosekan space of Ubud, simply outdoors downtown, so it’s very quiet. However it’s solely a brief stroll from fashionable eating places, cafés, and outlets. The perfect half — proper throughout the highway is a grocery store!
Rooms right here have terraces that overlook their swimming swimming pools. The one we received comes with day by day afternoon tea, however we didn’t get to avail of it as a result of we have been all the time outdoors exploring. Insect repellent spray was additionally offered.
The employees have been pleasant and welcoming. It’s a implausible selection if you would like a classy, mid-budget stick with a little bit of character in Ubud.
We paid IDR 3,926,000 (USD 235, PHP 13,884) for 3 nights. That’s IDR 1,308,600 (USD 78.35, PHP 4,628) per night time. Not unhealthy contemplating it was peak season after we visited, and actually, it was one of many few remaining fairly priced non-public rooms we discovered on the time.
✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY HERE!
High Motels in Ubud
🔥🔥🔥 Use AGODATPT for 10% off on choose inns! 🔥🔥🔥
Seek for extra Ubud Motels!
4. CANGGU
Canggu is one other village additional north alongside the identical seashore as Kuta and Seminyak, however a lot quieter, extra laidback, and cheaper. There’s a good collection of inns and hostels, but additionally residences for weekly or month-to-month hire and co-working areas.
Due to its ambiance and affordability, it’s develop into a favourite amongst digital nomads and people who are staying in Bali longer than regular.
High Motels in Canggu
🔥🔥🔥 Use AGODATPT for 10% off on choose inns! 🔥🔥🔥
Seek for extra Canggu Motels!
5. DENPASAR
Denpasar is Bali’s capital. It can provide you a style of Balinese metropolis life away from the vacationers. It has its share of worthy points of interest, from native markets to vital temples. And the meals scene right here is nice, providing not simply genuine Balinese fare but additionally different Indonesian cuisines.
Notice, nonetheless, that whereas its Sanur district has a very good seashore, town heart is way from the coast. And regardless of Ngurah Rai Worldwide Airport additionally being known as Denpasar Airport, it’s truly in Badung, outdoors Denpasar. In actuality, Denpasar’s metropolis correct is far, a lot farther from the airport than Kuta or Seminyak.
High Motels in Denpasar
🔥🔥🔥 Use AGODATPT for 10% off on choose inns! 🔥🔥🔥
Seek for extra Denpasar Motels!
6. NUSA DUA
Nusa Dua is the polished, family-friendly face of Bali. It’s residence to lots of the island’s luxurious resorts, every with pristine beachfronts and top-notch amenities. The vibe right here is serene and safe, nice for honeymooners, households, and anybody who simply needs to loosen up with out chaos. The seashores are huge and mild, good for swimming or water sports activities.
On the flip facet, it feels a bit faraway from genuine native life, with a lot of the motion taking place inside resort grounds.
High Motels in Nusa Dua
🔥🔥🔥 Use AGODATPT for 10% off on choose inns! 🔥🔥🔥
Seek for extra Nusa Dua Motels!
7. ULUWATU
Uluwatu is perched on Bali’s southern cliffs. It gives among the island’s greatest ocean views and sunsets. Lodging choices vary from price range to luxurious.
The world, nonetheless, is sort of unfold out with restricted transportation modes and far fewer industrial institutions. It’s not splendid for individuals who need walkable neighborhoods. However it’s a haven for surfers or simply those that need to keep someplace quieter however nonetheless very accessible from the airport.
High Motels in Uluwatu
🔥🔥🔥 Use AGODATPT for 10% off on choose inns! 🔥🔥🔥
Seek for extra Uluwatu Motels!
What’s the Greatest Space to Keep in Bali?
So, what’s the greatest space to remain in Bali? That relies on what sort of traveler you might be and your itinerary.
- Should you’re a backpacker or price range traveler who likes to celebration and need to be within the heart of the motion, Kuta may be a good selection. It’s vigorous, loud, and loaded with inexpensive inns and hostels. Excellent for those who love nightlife, straightforward seashore entry, and assembly different vacationers — not a lot for those who crave peace and quiet.
- Should you’re a gaggle of mates in search of fashionable spots, Seminyak is the place to be. It has a mixture of consolation, comfort, and magnificence. You’re near nice eating places, procuring, and seashore golf equipment, however not as busy or crowded as Kuta.
- Should you’re an explorer and also you need to see a lot of the island, keep in Ubud. Its location makes it a super base for day excursions to the temples, waterfalls, and rice terraces.
- Should you’re a digital nomad who likes a social, inventive scene, select Canggu. Anticipate trendy villas, boutique guesthouses, and co-living areas. It’s informal, enjoyable, and splendid if you wish to work, surf, or simply hang around someplace cool.
- Should you’re a pair on a romantic getaway, e-book a villa in Ubud or a resort in Nusa Dua and even Uluwatu. Your selection of lodging will likely be essential right here, so all the time examine evaluations.
- Should you’re a luxurious traveler who prioritizes consolation and leisure, think about Nusa Dua. The gated resort areas are calm, clear, and protected, with large inns providing every thing you want inside strolling distance. Nice for individuals who need a stress-free seashore vacation.
- Should you’re a nature or tradition lover, Ubud is your greatest wager. Palms down.
- Should you’re a household, keep in Nusa Dua in case you have the price range and also you need to be away from the vacationer chaos. But when your loved ones prefers to be near extra institutions, Seminyak is an efficient selection too.
- Should you’re a foodie, Denpasar is nice. Ubud, Seminyak, Kuta, and different areas have a very good meals scene, too, however in our expertise, Denpasar is the very best for restaurant and café hopping and market crawls.
Personally, if I’d return to Bali now and I’ve six nights, I’d keep in Ubud for the primary three nights and in Seminyak for the final three. In any other case, select only one. Which one? Should you requested me 5 years in the past, I’d say Seminyak. However now that I’m a bit older, I’d decide Ubud.
Have you ever skilled staying at any of those locations in Bali? How was it? Tell us within the feedback part beneath.
Updates Log
2025 11 12 – First uploaded
Co-written with Asta Alvarez
Photographs by Yosh Dimen, Asta Alvarez, and Mariah Cruz
